A Support And Educational Blog for Parents with Hurting and Troubled Teens

Kim’s photo’s – Art or Porn and It’s Impact on Our Teens

In light of the recent exposure of Kim Kardashian, many have voiced their opinions about whether or not it was acceptable.

No one really knows why Kim Kardashian chose this step but several questions that came to mind when I thought about this unveiling is – What was the goal and message of these viral photos and how will this impact our teens?

I don’t think anyone will truly understand the complete story or goal of why the photo’s needed to be taken in the first place.

What I do know is that a message, whether or not it was purposely thought of, was sent and how are we as parents going to confront and deal with that message. From my point of view as a mother, the message I received was this:

Message to young girls –

• In order to be accepted and have good self-esteem, you must strip
• You have to have a body like KK to be loved by a guy or to please a guy
• If your body is not like KK, you are considered worthless and have no value.
• Sexting and porn is acceptable
• That this is not considered porn but a work of art

Message to young boys –

• How far a girl will go for you if she says she loves you
• It’s okay for other guys to see your wife naked
• Sexting and porn is acceptable
• It’s okay to lust after another man’s wife
• She’s just an object to look at

Is the photo of Kim Kardashian an artwork or something you would see in a playboy magazine which is basically porn? In fact, what does she do that is anything different from a porn magazine? Nothing! It is simply the same. The only difference to her is that she calls herself a model/actress/businesswoman and entrepreneur.

In the model industry this will play a huge part as well. Some photographers will push the beauty exposure envelope to young girls by convincing them that by doing something like Kim Kardashian’s photo, you can be just like her, an artistic model. What a lie! There was nothing beautiful or artistic in that photo. But young teen girls, who will do anything for a modeling career, are willing to take that step. And those who are desperate enough to prove their love for a guy will also take that leap.

These are just a few to make my point. Once an image like this has been downloaded into a teen’s mind, you can never forget. Porn is already a huge issue among boys. The average age in seeing porn for the first time is 11 years. Kim Kardashian’s nude photos just made this age group a higher risk of seeing porn because of the media sensation.

I clicked on one article about Kim Kardashian and they did not cover one area of her body with a blurred line. She was completely nude in 3 different poses. They were able to do this by calling it modeling/art.
Now any boy of any age (including her future son) can look up her name and see her in the buff.

Is this what we want our teen boys to see? Every counselor and psychologist that I have spoken with agrees that once a child views porn for the first time, they do not forget that image. That image will last a lifetime. It has been imprinted into their brain. Once that image has been ingrained, it fixates on wanting to see another and another to satisfy that craving that turns into addiction.

Let’s face it. Our nation has a huge problem with porn. But that isn’t the only concern. Body issues are increasingly becoming the catalyst for low self-esteem and eating disorders. Young girls would view this as something attainable, even if it means alterations such as physical augmentation/plastic surgery. They will lose their perspective on just being the best that they can be and to be happy within themselves.

The pressure from media to be thin or to have large breasts or large derriere has become extreme as well. No longer are teens satisfied with what they have been blessed with but instead go after a false idea of what beauty is. In the end, we find more and more Barbie and Ken doll look-a-likes in the cyber world and soon to be the Kim doll.

So how do we handle our teens when it comes to issues such as this?

Parents! Husbands and wives must be united to talk with teens. You need to communicate that this type of exposure can cause a destructive future. Hearing it from both sides (woman and man) can give your teen a good perspective as to why this type of photo can be damaging to their life in many ways.

In the end, by giving your teens a good understanding on why you need to protect them will open doors of discussion not just on this topic, but many others as well. It will give you an idea as to what they have learned from this and give you a chance to correct anything that is distorted truth.

For my girls, I want them to know the real truth of being a beautiful woman and that comes from Proverbs 31:28-31

Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: “There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!”Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised. Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance.

About Me!

Growing up in the Northeast, the only dreams I had for my life was to grow closer to my Heavenly Father, be happily married, and have an easy road to raising wonderful and successful children. I think God was laughing at that last part.

As you can guess, it wasn’t easy at all. In fact, it was hard. Raising teens in this world is the most difficult job to do. Even more difficult, when they become a teen in crisis.

From the darkest trials into the depths of depression, to the biggest milestones and the ultimate victories, I was able to weather the worst of storms with Christ at the helm.

My journey as a parent to a teen in crisis led me through the tsunami of issues no parent wants to be confronted with; Self-harm, suicidal tendencies, body issues, porn, abandonment and rejection, as well as PTSD. These were only the beginning waves of what was yet to come.

How does one get through these parenting struggles? Christ was my living anchor of hope and promise. He showed me how to take hold and be lifted up when I felt like I was ready to drown. Even through that very painful period, the Lord was beginning to reveal His plan and use those crisis situations for His glory.

Today, I continue God’s call on my life by sharing stories from the heart and using His Word. No more should parents feel alone and ashamed. It is time to be encouraged and uplifted. God is your Anchor of Promise – Hebrews 6:19.

Wife to my husband Dan of 34 years, I am also mom of two daughters, 2 cats and 2 dogs. My book, Turn The Tide of Emotional Turbulence: Devotions for Parents With Teens in Crisis will be out in Spring 2019.

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